Shout out to the chemo girls!

Seconded! The strength you all show is amazing and makes me so proud of you all, even though I don’t know you.  

Pippa xxx

This is a lovely post, I had my 4th session yesterday and I have been lucky all the way through and not really had many side effects mainly pains in my legs and since the last one tiredness.  Feel like it’s got to be done so may as well make the most of it and have a laugh were you can.  I’m kind of loving the bald look until people say I look like my dad lol. X

It is day 8 after my second chemo and I am doing okay-legs have ached for a several days this time but still been able to go for walks.  My wig has been popped into the wardrobe for now-I feel comfy being fuzzy headed at home and i still have a bit more hair than my hubby at the moment.  I wear my yoga turban when I am out and a fleecy hat too at the moment.  I have had a few dreams lately about getting dressed up and walking baldy and boldly down the street.  I know the side effects can be brutal so I am just taking nothing for granted and enjoying each day that I feel well.  Sending you all hugs XX

Hi Viv - a lovely message.  Not so sure about the brave bit - I feel firmly attached to a hamster wheel at times.  Can’t wait for the time that I am allowed off x

It is good to have a laugh at the funny bits.  I was explaining to my hubby that I had tummy pains where my omentum used to be! No wonder he looked blank - up until last September I didn’t even know I had an omentum! X

Jigsaw33. Hi Viv what a lovely thing to say!

Seems like just another hurdle to get over on the journey, still wonder if it's really happening to me like the other ladies, we'll get there!

Big hugs, Barb xx

I know that the really brave ones are the lovely people who have chosen to go through trials and untested chemotherapy drugs to get us to the treatments we can be offered now.  When I grew up cancer was a scary word and it felt like something to be ashamed of.  It was certainly not spoken of unless with a voice of doom.  The more we share our stories the more we realise that so many are going through the cancer journey-we are not alone.  Hugs to you all XXX

Commenting on Walkinglady 's post.  Interesting to hear you say '... felt like something to be ashamed of.'  

I was told there was the possibility I had cancer but this would only be known after my hysterectomy.  I mentioned to one of my friends there was the possibility of this prior to me having my hysterectomy and she said 'the cancer possibility has that stigma'.  

To say I was aghast at her reply is an understatement and when I received my diagnosis I was very selective as to which of my friends I told and she was definitely not one that I told.  I have never thought of cancer as something to be ashamed of or something with a stigma attached.  

Thankfully the friends I have told have all been truly wonderful and supportive.  

Hi Sarah16. I was truly horrified by your friends reaction - that's like something from the dark ages. If it was warmer I'd wear my bald head with pride - I'm not ashamed of having cancer, would just like the opportunity when I'm more up to it of telling ladies what to be aware of!

Big hugs, Barb xx

Hi Sarah16, like Barb I am horrified and saddened by the comment from your so called friend.  Thank goodness you have many true friends who have been so supportive.  I have been fortunate with friends and lots of neighbours-most of all I still have a good chat with, especially when I am out with Harry. The chat isn’t all about me and cancer-we just have a normal everyday conversation but they will often just check on how I am doing. Many of our younger neighbours have passed my advice on getting any symptoms checked out to their mums, nans, work colleagues etc so if my story can help anyone else get an early diagnosis it will be good thing.    xx